Unicoi Lake Fishing Spot

• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/28/09 03:52 PM
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The waters of Unicoi State Park offer a variety of fishing opportunities both for warm-and cold-water species. Though not quite in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 1,081-acre Unicoi State Park has a definite mountain feel, with surrounding ridges, tumbling waterfalls, and the nearby alpine village of Helen. There are angling opportunities on both the 44-acre Unicoi Lake and roughly 2 miles of Smith Creek, a designated trout stream. Unicoi State Park is one of the most popular parks in Georgia. A variety of recreational opportunities for the whole family are available either in the park or only a short distance away. Unicoi sees heavy use for most of the year, but during the brief days of the fall leaf season, thousands of people flock to Helen and the surrounding area to see the fantastic fall colors. Key species: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish. Accommodations: There are numerous single site campsites (tents, RVs, and camp trailer sites), a group campsite, cottages, and a full service lodge with 100 rooms. If the park is booked when you want to visit there are also plenty of other places to stay in the local area. Unicoi State Park Facilities: Lodge - Features 100 guest rooms, wireless internet, meeting space, a restaurant, and catering services. The facilities can accommodate conference groups, parties, and weddings. The impetus for building the lodge at Unicoi was in large part driven by North Georgia's “First Lady of the Mountains,” Amilee Chastain Graves. Her portrait hangs over the main fireplace in the lodge’s great room. Beachhouse - This facility can be rented for group functions. It has a kitchen and overlooks Unicoi Lake. Cottages: There are 30 cottages in Unicoi State Park. Two of the cottages allow dogs. Camping: TENT, TRAILER, RV - 51 sites with water and electricity. WALK IN TENT SITES - 33 sites. Water is available from centrally located sources and there is no electricity. GROUP CAMPING - The Squirrel's Nest group campsite has 16 platforms. Off Site "Extras" Helen - A Bavarian style alpine village with a downtown that features interesting architecture and a shopping district with many interesting stores. Innsbruck Resort and Golf Club - A championship course designed by Bill Watts, overnight accommodations, a pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse w/pro shop. Unicoi State Park Activities: Hiking: There are 5 hiking trails in the park. They vary from a short interpretive trail (1/3 of a mile) around a pond with an easy rating to a 5 mile (one-way) strenuously rated trail to Anna Ruby Falls. The You can also travel from the Unicoi State Park to Helen via a 3 mile (one way) moderate to strenuous trail. Map Mountain Biking: The 7 1/2 mile loop is a challenging trail that has been used for numerous regional and national mountain bike races. The trail is reserved for the exclusive use of mountain bikers. Unicoi Lake: FISHING. The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fishing is allowed from the bank and from 6 fishing docks, with standard Georgia fishing requirements enforced (all anglers over 16 must have a license). SWIMMING. The beach is open during the summer. BOATS. Boats (canoes and pedal boats) can be rented, seasonally, at the beach area. Non-motorized private boats are also permitted. Picnics: Numerous picnic tables, grilles, and shelters are scattered throughout Unicoi State Park. Single sites are available on a first come basis but there are group facilities site that can be reserved for larger functions.